Multiple times, I could not collect the cannon ball crate from merchant trader after purchasing it. I had to purchase another crate in order to collect it. Costing more money.
Solution: So, if you buy a cannon ball crate you will have to get another crate eg. buy a wood plank crate then collect the wood crate, and the cannon ball crate will be collectable.
*playing on controller, tried using keyboard. Does not work.